WTTC urges African Union to reconsider damaging tourism tax plans and get its priorities right
Plans by members of the African Union to implement a new tourism tax on air passengers and hotel guests in Africa could have a detrimental effect on the long-term economic growth and should be scrapped, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
David Scowsill, President & CEO of WTTC, said “Rather than taxing tourists, I would urge the African Union to focus on ridding itself of complicated visa processes, liberalising its skies, planning infrastructure for the long term and eliminating poaching. It is these measures, rather than taxation, which will ensure it gains a greater share of the global tourism market”.
“Travel & Tourism is a major pillar of the African economy which contributes to economic growth and job creation. The industry contributes 8.5% of total GDP and accounts for almost 20 million jobs, or 7% of total employment. It should be protected and encouraged”, Mr Scowsill continues.
“Instead, the plans being discussed by members of the African Union to add a tax on air passengers and hotel guests will inevitably prove counter-productive to the economy of countries with a heavy reliance on Travel & Tourism, as has been proved in many other countries and regions around the world”.
World Travel and Tourism Council
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